ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan hopeful about Rashid Khan’s return after the all-rounder’s concussion test

On Saturday, Afghanistan lost their third match of this World Cup to remain winless in the tournament. Gulbadin Naib and Co. lost to table-toppers New Zealand by seven wickets at The Coopers Associates County Ground in Taunton. Moreover, to add to their agony, their premier all-rounder, the 20-year-old Rashid Khan found himself in a bit of a tangle while batting.

The Young Turk copped a blow on the head by a vicious bouncer from Lockie Ferguson, bowled at a pace of 138 kph. He tried to take evasive action to the short-pitched delivery, but couldn’t evade it. To add insult to injury, the ball rolled on to the stumps, leading to his dismissal. Thereafter, he failed the concussion test and it was decided that he won’t be able to take further part in the game.

After 45 minutes, he failed the second concussion test as well. He didn’t come to bowl in New Zealand’s innings. However, following the encounter, Naib, the Afghanistan captain, mentioned that Rashid felt better. Furthermore, the youngster may recover before the national team’s upcoming match against South Africa on Saturday, June 15 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

Afghani people are strong, says Naib

“He’s feeling better now. The doctor said don’t go to the field but now he’s feeling well. So he needed rest. So obviously we have a couple of days. He’s fine now. I asked the physio if he needed rest, some headache. We have a rest of one week for the other game.

So now he’s feeling well. So he should go to the hospital and check for some tests. He’s well. Afghani people are strong. So it’s just a small thing,” Naib was quoted as saying to the reporters.

Rashid played the first two matches against Australia and Sri Lanka. In those games, he picked up three wickets. He also played a quickfire hand of 27 off 11 balls versus the Aussies at the County Ground in Bristol. It goes without saying that Rashid playing well is paramount for the Afghans to make a comeback in the mega event. For the time being, Afghanistan would be wishing for the leggie’s speedy recovery.